CHAP. 72.—TEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SWEET-SCENTED
RUSH, OR TEUCHITES.
We will also take this opportunity of mentioning the medicinal properties of the sweet-scented rush, which is found
in Cœle-Syria, as already stated by us in the appropriate
place [Note] The most esteemed kind, however, is that which
grows in the country of the Nabatæi, and is known as the
"teuchites;" [Note] the next best being the produce of Babylonia,
and the very worst that of Africa, which is entirely destitute
of smell. This rush is round, and when applied to the tongue,
has a pungent, vinous flavour. The genuine kind, when
rubbed, gives out an odour like that of the rose, and when
broken asunder it is red within. It dispels flatulency, and
hence it is very good for the stomach, and for persons when
vomiting the bile or blood. It arrests hiccup also, promotes
eructations, acts as a diuretic, and is curative of affections of
the bladder. A decoction of it is used for female complaints;
and in cases of opisthotony, it is applied in plasters with dry
resin, these being highly valued for their warming properties.